What are the definitions of “catch up in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Become involved, often against one's will.
The tourists were CAUGHT UP IN the violence of the revolution.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “catch up in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb catch up in is to become involved in a situation, often against one's will or unintentionally. This can happen when someone gets involved in a conflict, a problem, or an event without intending to.
What are the different verb forms of “catch up in”?
| Root Verb | catch up in |
| Third Person Singular Present | catches up in |
| Present Participle | catching up in |
| Simple Past | caught up in |
| Past Participle | caught up in |
Example
The innocent bystander was caught up in the fight.
Example
She often catches up in other people's problems.
Example
He is always catching up in his friends' dramas.
Example
They caught up in the protest while walking downtown.
Example
He was caught up in the excitement of the game.
What kind of phrasal verb is “catch up in”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“catch up in” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She was caught up in the scandal.
Example
He caught up in the traffic jam.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“catch up in” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She was caught up in the scandal.
Example
He caught up in the traffic jam.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “catch up in”?
Good things to know
Does “catch up in” have an informal or formal tone?
Catch up in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
